Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27106
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Highly selective — strong graduate outcomes
Wake Forest University is a private institution in Winston-Salem with particular strength in business and biology. With an average SAT of 1469, the school attracts a competitive applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 5.5K undergraduates with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
91% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $78,158 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $28,746.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •During the Baptist State Convention of 1833, at Cartledge Creek Baptist Church in Rockingham, North Carolina, establishment of Wake Forest Institute was ratified.
- •Wake Forest College Wait Hall at the original Wake Forest campus in 1943.
- •In 1838, the school was renamed Wake Forest College, and the manual-labor system was abandoned.
- •In 1862, during the American Civil War, the school closed due to the loss of most students and some faculty to service in the Confederate States Army.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1469
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Deadline Calendar
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
85.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
4.7%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$19,500
Programs (89)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
95%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
41
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from NC state average + large city premium